Read a book or listen to a podcast about how to fly a plane, and then jump in the cockpit, taxi down the runway, throttle up, and "try" a takeoff.

I suspect he could help U immensely in picking the right machine for your mission etc..best of luck yes piper is small especially in the cockpit.. 

Here's a quick one I'm hoping someone would be able to shed some light or experience on - I have heard from some people that it is a great idea to fit out an apartment with nice and modern furniture, maintain it well and rent it out for a couple of thousand Rand more than a similar empty unit.

That is the difference of having a professional company in the cockpit of your STR. 

My thought at this point is to take care of the basic things that any tenant would need like the exterior issues, get the demo done for a cleaned-out space, then try to find a tenant and fit-out the interior to suit that tenant's specific needs. 

What are you guys doing in the cockpit when flying through severe turbulence?

Plus a cheap fit-out to turn the basement into a den.

As I said, the only mess really left behind were the items I was unable to fit out on the curb due to the storm.

This is more than a typical tenant fit-out but not a very difficult task as long as the space is as you say and can meet the current codes (and ADA depending on business type).

Does any work or fit outs need to be done?